Mary Olson-Menzel, national bestselling author and executive coach, joins Michelle K. Johnston to explore how professionals at every stage of their career can reignite their passion, pivot successfully, and thrive in a changing workplace. They discuss Mary’s 10-step pivot program—developed to guide clients from uncertainty to clarity—and how to harness the power of storytelling, intentional networking, and self-awareness. From recent grads to seasoned executives, listeners are reminded that purpose, self-care, and meaningful connection are the cornerstones of sustainable success. This conversation is a roadmap for anyone asking: What’s next?

Whether you’re seeking your first job or your final promotion, this conversation will help you find clarity, purpose, and direction. And as Mary puts it so beautifully, “When your light dims, it’s your responsibility to figure out how to turn it back on.”

CHAPTERS:
01:00 Introducing Mary Olson-Menzel and her career journey
02:00 Seismic shifts in the modern workplace
03:30 Challenges for new graduates in today's job market
05:00 The inspiration behind What Lights You Up
06:00 Overview of Mary’s 10-step pivot program
07:15 The power of storytelling in interviews
09:00 Navigating AI and resume screening
10:00 Unlocking the power of your network
12:00 LinkedIn Hour of Power strategy
14:00 Interview coaching and confidence building
15:00 Salary negotiation tips with gratitude
17:00 The importance of onboarding
18:30 How to pivot roles early in your career
20:00 Purpose, passion, and feeling valued
21:30 Embracing the squiggly career path
23:00 Framing short tenures and job changes
24:00 Mary’s superpower: knowing when to pivot
26:00 Burnout, self-care, and letting go
27:30 Coaching leaders to own their leadership signature
29:00 Aligning leadership with authenticity and energy
30:00 Final reflections on connection, purpose, and self-prioritization
32:00 Where to find What Lights You Up

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

Follow Michelle for more inspiring content:

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

Mark Thompson, the #1 CEO coach globally, joins Michelle Johnston to unpack what it truly means to be “CEO Ready” amid today’s relentless pace of seismic change. Recorded in the bustling backdrop of Amsterdam Airport, Mark shares real-world insights from coaching high-profile leaders across the world’s most transformative organizations, including Amazon, Virgin, Google, Schwab, and Zoox.

With charm, candor, and clarity, Mark dives into what makes great leaders stand out: emotional connection, relentless learning, and a clear sense of service. He unpacks the concept of driverless leadership—both metaphorically and literally—as he reflects on his work with Zoox and the societal shift from control to connection. Michelle and Mark explore how AI is reshaping our lives, why CEOs must now lead with humanity, and how leaders must give up independence to gain greater impact through collaboration.

You’ll hear stories featuring Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Arthur Levinson, and even astronaut training on the Zero-G “vomit comet.” Mark also reveals his latest personal challenge: completing his doctoral degree and writing his new book, CEO Readiness, for Harvard Business Review Press. He outlines the R.E.A.D.Y. model—Relationships, External perspective, Agility, Differentiation, and Your Why—providing a practical roadmap for anyone aspiring to lead with purpose.

This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership. It's about redefining success, reimagining influence, and remembering what matters most: human connection, legacy, and the courage to evolve.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Letting Go of the Old Paradigm
00:24 Michelle Introduces Mark Thompson
02:46 Mark Reflects on Coaching Top CEOs
03:29 The Secret Sauce of Coaching Success
05:49 Why Alignment and Commitment Matter
06:48 Seismic Shifts in Leadership
07:33 Navigating Constant Change
08:40 Zoox, AI, and Driverless Culture
11:38 From Drivers to Passengers
12:27 Reclaiming Connection Over Control
14:29 Letting Robots Handle the Risk
15:23 Redefining Leadership in the AI Era
16:01 Richard Branson, Bezos & Launching Ventures
19:24 Marshall Goldsmith’s Advice and Legacy
21:15 Leaving Schwab to Fund the Future
23:20 The Journey Toward Space
25:59 Inside the Making of CEO Readiness
29:15 Should You Even Be a CEO?
32:13 Legacy, Impact, and Purpose
32:53 Lessons from the All-Star Team
36:59 Best Practices for Leadership Excellence
37:18 The R.E.A.D.Y. Framework for CEO Success
39:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
40:17 Gratitude and Book Launch Celebration

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

Follow Michelle for more inspiring content:

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

Leadership today demands more than command and control. In this powerful conversation between Michelle and bestselling author Selena Rezvani, the two explore what it takes to lead in a way that’s sustainable, human, and effective in the modern workplace. Selena shares the deeply personal story behind her passion for people-first leadership—losing her father at 13 due to work-induced stress—and how that moment shaped her mission to reduce suffering at work. Her new book, Quick Leadership, is a practical guide for leaders who want to build trust, empower teams, and lead with compassion, all without sacrificing performance. Michelle and Selena explore specific, tactical leadership advice and emphasize the need for psychological safety, authentic storytelling, and co-creation, especially as Gen Z emerges as a significant force in the workforce. If you're a manager, team leader, or aspiring changemaker, this episode will leave you equipped and inspired to show up differently—smarter, more human, and more effective.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome & Selena's Book Launch
01:00 The Personal Story Behind Selena's Mission
03:00 What It Means to Reduce Suffering at Work
05:00 Quick Leadership Tip: Ask 3 Before You Answer
07:30 Give Praise Like Confetti
10:00 Why Leaders Resist Human-Centered Leadership
12:30 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership
14:00 Why Selena's TikToks Go Viral
16:00 Seismic Shifts: Leadership's Impact on Mental Health
18:00 Skepticism and the Return of Command & Control
20:30 Building Exciting, Innovative Work Cultures
22:00 The Power of Psychological Safety
24:00 Understanding Gen Z’s Expectations
26:00 Practical Ways to Co-Create with Gen Z
29:00 Shared Leadership Opportunities in Meetings
31:00 Summary of Quick Leadership & Final Thoughts

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Heart's On Fire

Follow Michelle for more inspiring content:

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b
Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston
Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/